Plax: I know I can dominate the red zone

Posted by Josh Alper on June 9, 2013, 10:17 AM EDT

AP

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress isn’t sure exactly what kind of role the Steelers have in mind for him during the 2013 season, but he’s confident that he hasn’t lost one skill that made Burress a standout during his first stint with Pittsburgh and in his run with the Giants.

Burress believes that he can still be a difference maker near the end zone, something he didn’t get much of a chance to show during a brief cameo with the Steelers last season. He caught three passes in four games, including a touchdown in the season finale against the Chiefs. Burress said he saw teams defending him with the same kind of respect in the red zone, however, and thinks he can still make a big impact when the Steelers are looking for a touchdown.

“I know I can still play, I know I can dominate in the red zone,” Burress said, via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Just go out and play at a high percentage. In those one-on-one opportunities, just succeed at a high rate. I know I can. Being out there last year, I drew double coverage in the red zone without hardly playing, I think teams will have to respect that.”

Burress’ one-year stint with the Jets in 2011 didn’t bring tremendous overall success, but it lends some strength to his claims of red zone superiority. He caught eight touchdowns, tying for the team lead and showing he could still overpower smaller defensive backs on balls thrown into the end zone.

Burress called himself “blessed” to get another shot with the Steelers. The Steelers will likely feel the same way if Burress turns his feelings about dominance into reality.

Burress is a playmaker who has shown moments (non consistent) of greatness. Although not a spry chicken he has some left in the task. I liked him a lot the year he was with us & was sorry that he didn’t come back in 2012. Very productive in the red zone. Given our anemic offense Jets letting him go was a dumb move in a line of dumb moves under the Tannenbaum/Ryan era. We could have used him last year & set us up better for this year given our lack of depth at receiver. Jason Hill who they opted for instead has done squat!!

Plax is PERFECT for this situation, and EXACTLY what the Steelers needed. Everyone needs to realize, even if Ben doesn’t throw him the ball, teams will be FORCED to either double him, leaving someone else in man to man, or put a DB on him that is at least 5 inches shorter. He doesn’t need speed, he is only going 5-10 yards.

With no Heath Miller for a large chunk of the season, Burress will have to be the first option in the red zone by default. With that said, that should open up things for Brown, Sanders and even Weaton.